Father-of-two stabbed to death in Co Armagh named locally

The 32-year-old from Bessbrook died after a suspected knife attack on Carrivekenney Road area of Corrinshego, just outside Newry.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of his murder.

First responders attended the incident shortly after 3.15pm but Mr Phelan is understood to have passed away from his injuries at the scene.

His heartbroken sister, Michelle Phelan, posted a short tribute on her Facebook page, which read: “Only take the best – my bro, the best in the world.”

Childhood friend Kyle Keenan posted a touching tribute to the man he knew since he was 10. “You where always there when I called you no matter what you woulda done anything to help anyone if they were stuck,” he wrote.

“You’re a good friend and I will have only but good memories of you… The best daddy ever.”

Detective Chief Inspector Eamon Corrigan has appealed to anyone with information to contact detectives in Newry on 101.

Former Sinn Fein chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Roisin Mulgrew said the death of a young man had shocked the community.

“News of the death of a young man as a result of a stabbing has shocked and stunned the local community here in Bessbrook and Camlough” said the Slieve Gullion councillor.

Adding: “My thoughts go out to the family and friends of the victim who are trying to come to terms with this terrible news.

“Circumstances are unclear at present however I would appeal to anyone that has any information about this incident to contact the police.”

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